Introduction
In a dazzling celebration of beauty, brains, and environmental advocacy, Haley Poe of Erie, Pennsylvania, has emerged as the newly crowned Miss Earth USA 2025. But her story is far more than a glittering tiara and a sash – it’s a testament to purpose-driven leadership, scientific curiosity, and a deep commitment to protecting our planet.
Table of Contents
Childhood Roots: Erie, Pennsylvania
Haley Poe was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, a lakeside city known for its natural beauty and tight-knit community. Growing up in Erie, Haley was surrounded by the serene landscapes of Lake Erie and the vibrant culture of her hometown. These early experiences sparked her love for nature and laid the foundation for her future advocacy.
From a young age, Haley exhibited a strong sense of curiosity and compassion. Whether it was helping classmates, volunteering locally, or exploring science experiments at home, she was always drawn to learning and service. Her parents nurtured her inquisitive spirit, encouraging her to pursue both academic excellence and creative expression.
A Ballerina’s Discipline
Before she ever stepped onto a pageant stage, Haley was a classically trained ballerina. Years of dance instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, grace, and perseverance. Ballet taught her how to command presence, express emotion through movement, and maintain poise under pressure—skills that would later serve her well in the competitive world of pageantry.
Her commitment to ballet also reflected her ability to balance rigorous training with academic pursuits, a trait that would become a hallmark of her educational journey.
First Steps into Pageantry
Haley’s pageant journey began at age 16, when she competed in Miss Pennsylvania Teen USA and placed as third runner-up. That experience ignited a passion for pageantry—not just for the glamour, but for the platform it offered to advocate for causes close to her heart.
She continued to compete in various pageants, including Miss Pennsylvania USA, where she was a semi-finalist. Eventually, she earned the title of Miss Pennsylvania Earth USA 2025, which qualified her to compete nationally for Miss Earth USA.
Haley has often spoken about how pageantry helped her grow in confidence, public speaking, and leadership. It also opened doors to modeling opportunities, including walking in New York Fashion Week and appearing on a Times Square billboard as the cover model for Art & Beauty magazine.
Academic Excellence at Gannon University
Haley pursued her undergraduate studies at Gannon University, a private Catholic institution in Erie, Pennsylvania. She majored in Biology, aligning her academic interests with her long-term goal of becoming a physician.
At Gannon, Haley was not just a student—she was a standout. Her dedication to women’s health and environmental advocacy earned her recognition as a Notable Knight, a distinction awarded to exceptional students at the university.
Her time at Gannon was marked by a blend of academic rigor and community engagement. She participated in cancer research, volunteered for health initiatives, and used her pageant platform to raise awareness about women’s health and microplastic pollution.
A Star Is Crowned
On July 7, 2025, the grand coronation of Miss Earth USA took place in Washington, D.C., marking the 25th anniversary of the global Miss Earth organization. Amidst legacy titleholders and international guests like Miss Earth Jessica Lane from Australia, Haley Poe emerged victorious, earning the coveted title of Miss Earth USA 2025.
Representing Pennsylvania, Haley stood out among a competitive field of finalists, each featured in the six-episode reality series Pretty Down to Earth, aired on The Queen Beauty Network. The series followed inspiring environmental advocates across the U.S., blending fashion, philanthropy, and personal impact into a compelling narrative.
The Road to the Crown: Pretty Down to Earth
Haley’s journey was documented in Pretty Down to Earth, a televised challenge series that began in Orlando during the preliminary rounds in January 2025. The finalists later filmed in New York, showcasing their advocacy, fashion sense, and public speaking skills.
The show offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the contestants’ lives, highlighting their environmental missions and personal growth. Haley’s authenticity and eloquence resonated with audiences and judges alike, setting her apart as a frontrunner from the start.
Coaching and Confidence: Behind the Scenes
Haley credits much of her success to her pageant coach, Corrin Stellakis. Haley shared that Corrin didn’t just help her craft the perfect impact statement—she took the time to truly understand Haley’s advocacy and experiences, ensuring every word felt authentic and meaningful. With Corrin’s support, Haley stepped on stage feeling calm, prepared, and genuinely excited to share her story with the judges.
This mentorship helped Haley refine her message and deliver it with poise and heart, a crucial element in her winning performance.
The Final Night: A Moment of Triumph
The coronation night was a celebration of beauty, purpose, and legacy. Haley stood alongside other top finalists, including Sydney Hella (Colorado), Madison Nero (New York), Ta’ya Hazelwood (Wisconsin), and Kiara Landon (Washington). The panel of judges featured pageant royalty and fashion experts, including 2015 Miss Earth Angelia Ong and designer Bessie Besana.
As her name was announced, Haley’s reaction was a mix of joy, humility, and determination. She knew that the crown was not just a symbol—it was a responsibility to represent her country and her cause on the global stage.
Representing the USA at Miss Earth 2025
Haley will represent the United States at the 25th edition of Miss Earth, to be held in the Philippines in fall 2025. With nearly 100 countries participating, Miss Earth is considered the planet’s most relevant beauty event, blending glamour with environmental advocacy.
Haley’s preparation includes:
- 🌍 Expanding her MAP initiative internationally
- 🗣 Engaging in global dialogues on sustainability
- 👗 Collaborating with eco-conscious designers for her wardrobe
- 📚 Continuing her academic journey while balancing pageant duties
Her goal is not just to compete—but to connect, inspire, and lead.
Haley Poe: Miss Earth USA 2025 – A Reign Rooted in Purpose and Planet
Crowned Miss Earth USA 2025, Haley is not just a beauty queen—she’s a pre-med student, cancer research assistant, and a fierce environmental advocate. Her journey is a testament to how intellect, compassion, and activism can converge in a single individual to inspire meaningful change.
Advocacy Rooted in Science: The Microplastics Mission
Haley’s core advocacy centers on microplastics—tiny plastic particles that pose a massive threat to both environmental and human health. Her campaign, titled “Plastic-Free Future,” aims to raise awareness about the dangers of microplastics in food, water, and even the air we breathe.
Key Goals of Her Advocacy:
- Legislative Change: Haley is pushing for stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal, especially single-use plastics.
- Education Initiatives: She’s launched workshops and school programs to teach children and teens about sustainable living.
- Sustainable Beauty: As a pageant queen, Haley promotes eco-friendly beauty routines, encouraging brands and consumers to opt for biodegradable packaging and cruelty-free products.
Her advocacy isn’t just theoretical. Haley has partnered with environmental NGOs and local governments to conduct microplastic sampling in waterways, helping communities understand the extent of contamination and what can be done to mitigate it.
Social and Charity Work: Beauty for a Cause
Haley’s reign has been marked by hands-on charity work that reflects her “Beauty for a Cause” ethos. Her initiatives span across health, education, and environmental justice.
1. Community Clean-Up Drives
Haley has organized and participated in dozens of clean-up events across the country, from beaches in Florida to urban parks in Pennsylvania. These events not only remove waste but also serve as educational platforms where she speaks about the lifecycle of plastics and their impact on ecosystems.
2. Health and Hygiene Kits for Underserved Communities
Combining her medical background with her advocacy, Haley launched a campaign to distribute eco-friendly hygiene kits to homeless shelters and low-income families. These kits include biodegradable toothbrushes, reusable menstrual products, and natural soaps—reducing plastic waste while promoting health.
3. Cancer Research Fundraisers
As a cancer research assistant, Haley has a personal connection to the fight against cancer. She’s hosted charity galas and online fundraisers to support research institutions, with a focus on environmental carcinogens and how pollution contributes to cancer risk.
4. Youth Empowerment Workshops
Haley regularly visits schools and youth centers to speak about leadership, environmental responsibility, and the importance of civic engagement. Her workshops often include interactive activities like DIY composting, upcycling fashion, and mock debates on environmental policy.
Pageantry with Purpose
Haley’s approach to pageantry is refreshingly modern. She’s not just walking runways—she’s walking into classrooms, laboratories, and legislative offices. Her impact statement, crafted with the help of pageant coach Corrin Stellakis, was praised for its authenticity and clarity. It wasn’t just a speech—it was a call to action.
“I believe beauty is not just what you see—it’s what you do. And I choose to use my voice, my education, and my crown to fight for a cleaner, healthier planet.” – Haley Poe
Bridging STEM and Pageantry
One of Haley’s most powerful contributions is her role as a STEM ambassador within the pageant community. She’s shattered stereotypes by showing that women in science can also thrive in beauty competitions. Her dual identity as a future doctor and a reigning queen has inspired countless young women to pursue both their academic and personal passions.
She’s also working with universities to create scholarship programs for women in environmental science, funded in part by her pageant winnings and sponsorships.
Global Reach and Future Plans
As Miss Earth USA, Haley is preparing to represent the United States at the international Miss Earth competition, where she’ll bring her microplastics advocacy to a global stage. She’s already begun collaborating with international NGOs and scientists to develop a global microplastics awareness toolkit, which will be distributed in schools and community centers worldwide.
Her long-term vision includes:
- Launching a nonprofit focused on environmental health education
- Publishing a book that combines personal stories with scientific insights
- Advocating for green policy at the state and federal levels
Final Thoughts
Haley Poe is not just Miss Earth USA 2025—she’s a symbol of what the future of pageantry can be. Intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely committed to change, she represents a new generation of leaders who are using their platforms to make a difference.
As she steps onto the global stage in the Philippines this fall, Poe carries with her the hopes of a nation and the promise of a cleaner, healthier planet. And whether she wins the international crown or not, she’s already won the hearts of those who believe that beauty should always serve a cause.
Also read about “Ophély Mézino: Miss Universe Guadeloupe 2025 – A Story of Resilience and Hope“.